Musical instrument



y 6, 1952 A. c. HUGlN MUSICAL INSTRUMENT File-d Decl 28', 1948 2 SHEETS-SHEET l May 6. 1952 A Q H GlN 2,595,382

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed Dec. 28, 1948 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Patented May 6, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Adolph C. Hugin, Washington, D. 0. Application December 28, 1948, Serial No. 67,600

36 Claims. 1

My invention relates to musical instruments and particularly to harmonicas. In my improved instrument, a member is provided which supports tonal reeds in a preselected sequence thereon in a musical note arrangement according to a musical score in a fixed relation to the main harmonica frame or supporting structure when mounted thereon, such, for instance, that a predetermined melody may be rendered by simply progressively passing air over the reeds according to the tempo of the melody; and the reed supporting member is readily removably mounted on the main supporting structure of the harmonica, such as a cell block, to provide for the unitary interchangeability of diiferent'sets of reeds arranged according to the notes or tones of different musical scores for rendering different tunes. The instruments can be made with any number of cells and reeds, according to the length of the melodies it is desired to play with them. The replaceable reed supporting members may be provided with reeds tuned and arranged according to any conventionalor other desired preselected musical note arrangement to provide for the use of the instrument for playing tunes by the selection of the tones by the player, as with any conventional or special harmonica.

An object of my invention is to provide a novelty musical instrument, such as a harmonica. with which predetermined melodies may be played on interchangeabl removably mounted sets of reeds, arranged according to the notes or tones of musical scores. I

Another object of my invention is to provide a harmonica with a supporting structure in which means for supporting a set of reeds, tuned and arranged according to the notes or tones of a preselected musical score in a fixed relation to the supporting structure when mountedthereon, is removably mounted.

A further object of my invention is to provide a harmonica with a supporting structure on which a pair of reed plates is removably mounted, and in which each reed plate is provided with a plurality of reeds tuned and arranged according to the notes or tones of a preselected musical note arrangement.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a demountable reed supporting member having reeds thereon in a preselected note sequence, provided with means for facilitating assembly and disassembly in a harmonica, preferably having a ready identification means indicating the title of themusical score.

Further? objects and advantages of my invention and various detail improvements will become apparent, and my invention will be better understood from the following description referring to the accompanying drawing, and the features of novelty which characterize my invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. Additional embodiments of my invention are contained in my copending application for patent, Serial No. 67,599, filed December 28, 1948, Musical Instruments.

In the drawing, Fig. 1 is a perspective view, partly disassembled and partly in section, of a ten-cell harmonica provided with an embodiment of my invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view, partly broken away of the underside of the instrument shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the far end of the harmonica shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a modification of the far end of the harmonica shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an end of a modification of the harmonica shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a perspective View, partly broken away, of another embodiment of my invention in a twelve-cell harmonica; Fig. '7 is a partially disassembled perspective view of the harmonica construction illustrated in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the other side of the harmonica illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, with one cover disassembled; Fig. 9 is a perspective view, with one reed plate disassembled and one cover removed, partly broken away to show the internal arrangement of parts of a modification of the instrument shown in Figs. 6, 7, and 8; Fig. 10 is a perspective view, partly broken away, of a further embodiment of my invention in a ten-cell harmonica; Fig. 11 is a perspective view from the base of the instrument shown in Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view of an end of a corner of the harmonica shown in Figs. 10 and 11, taken near the mouthpiece of the instrument; Fig. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view, partly in section, of the harmonica illustrated in Fig. 10, shown disassembled; Fig. 14 is a perspective view, partly broken away, of a modification of the harmonica shown in Figs. 10, 11, 12, and 13; Fig. 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of an end of the harmonica illustrated in Fig. 14, with the reed supporting means disassembled from the cell block; and Fig. 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view of an end of a corner of the instrument shown in Figs. 14 and 15, taken near the mouthpiece of the harmonica.

Referring to the drawings, I have shown an embodiment of my inventionin Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, in which the main supporting structure I of the harmonica comprises a reed-plate spacer cell block which may conveniently be made of molded plastic, wood, or other suitable material. This supporting structure is formed to provide a plurality of cells for tonal reeds and includes a longitudinally extending base 2 which forms closures for the bases of the reed cells of the instrument. The transverse sides of the cells are formed by a plurality of intermediate wall mem- Y bers 3 and end wall members 4 and 5. A mouthpiece 6 of improved design is formed with a smoothly curved surface I tapering to a rela tively thin cell opening edge in which a plurality of cell openings 8 are formed communicating with the cells between the wall members 3, i, and 5 to provide for blowing and drawing air into and out of the reed cells. By making the base 2, the walls 3, 4, and 5, and the mouthpiece 6 as a unitary structure, a very efficient utilization of air is achieved when playing the instrument, because of the absence of air leaks between these members.

Tonal reeds for producing the desired music are supported by a pair of reed plates 9 and II], which are adapted to be readily assembled and disassembled in the harmonica by longitudinally sliding engagement with pairs of guideways II and I2 and I3 and I4, respectively,.formed on opposite sides of the supporting structure. The reed plates may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal, although metal is preferred if the supporting structure I is formed of plastic, because metal has less tendency to stick in the guideways when these are formed in a plastic supporting structure. As shown, blow and draw reeds l5 and I6, respectively, are suitably secured, as by rivets, to reed plates 9 and I9. The draw reeds I6 are arranged to extend over openings I? in the reed plate II) on the outer side of this reed plate when it is assembled in the harmonica. This reed plate can be slid in and out of the guideways II and I2 directly over the outer surfaces of the transverse cell wall members 3 and 4 without interference between the reeds I6 and the cell wall members 3 and 4. In order to obtain the true tone of each reed in each cell and to minimize the effort needed to pass air over the reeds, it is desirable to minimize the leakage of air in the cells, so that a maximum percentage of the air will pass through the reed openings in the reed plates. A tight sliding fit of the reed plate It in the guideways II and I2 is, therefore, provided, and these guideways are formed directly over the outer surface of the base of the cell to assure a close fit of the reed plate It with the outer surfaces or" the transverse wall members 3, 4, and 5 to minimize the leakage of air therebetween. A boss I8, on the end wall member 5, is adapted to form a stop for limiting the movement of the reed plate Ill. It is adapted to engage a complementary recess IS! in the edge of the reed plate Iii when the reed plate IQ is fully inserted into the supporting structure I in order to position the draw reeds I6 accurately over the cells between the transverse wall members.

Since the blow reeds I5 must be on the cell or inner side of the reed plate 9, the guideways I3 and I4 are formed in the base 2 and mouthpiece 6 spaced outwardly from the outer surfaces of the transverse wall members 3, 4, and 5 a distance slightly more than the projection of the outer surfaces of the blow reed l5 from the reed plate 9, and the reed plate 9 is formed with a projecting guide wing 29 on each side at one end thereof adapted to have a sliding fit with the guideways I3 and I I, so as to maintain the reed plate 9 in a position in which the blow reeds I5 will not come into contact with the transverse walls 3 and 4 during assembly and disassembly of the instrument. As is shown in Fig. 2, rec'esses 2! are formed at the ends of the guideways I3 and I4 over the end transverse wall member 5 to allow the guide Wings 20 to move inwardly and. provide for engagement of the inner surface of the reed plate 9 with the outer surfaces of the transverse Walls 3, 4, and 5 when the reed plate 9 is in its fully inserted position on the supporting structure. A boss 22 on the end wall member 5, similar to the boss I8, is adapted to form a stop for limiting the movement of the reed plate 9 by engagement with a complementary recess 23 in the edgeof the reed plate 9 when the reed plate 9 is fully inserted into playing position on the supporting structure I in order to position the blow reeds l5 accurately over the cells.

A pair of covers 24 and 25 is removably mounted on the supporting structure over the reed plates in order to protect the reeds. Longitudinally extending tapered guide lips-25 and 21 are formed on opposite sides of the base 2 and extend outwardly from adjacent the outer edges of the reed plate guideways. Similar tapered guide lips 23 and 29 are formed on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 6. This provides a pair of guide lips on each side of the supporting structure cellblock, and the covers 24 and 25 are formed with tapered side surfaces complementary to the inner surfaces of the tapered guide lips in order to provide a snug sliding fit there with over the reed plates when the latter are in assembled position on the supporting structure I. This tapered guide lip and cover construction clamps and biases the covers into snug engagement with the outer surfaces of the reed plates and biases the reed plates into substantially airsealing engagement with adjacent surfaces of the supporting structure cell block walls. Stops 30 are formed on the end of each lip to limit and position the covers 24 and 25 in their fully assembled positions. The covers may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal, and preferably are provided with a rounded inner edge for engagement with the reed plates in order to minimize wear and to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the instrument. If the covers be made of metal, the inner edge may be turned in, as shown at 3| in Fig. 1. Openings 32 in the tapered side of the covers adjacent the base 2, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, provide for the ingress and egress of air to the space between the covers and the reed plates.

The tonal reeds on each reed plate are constructed, tuned, and arranged in a preselected musical note or tone sequence according to a predetermined musical score in a fixed relation to thesupporting structure when the reed plates are mounted thereon. If desired, the musical score of the blow reeds may be a progressive linear note or tone arrangement of a part of a melody or other musical score, while the draw reeds may be a progressive linear note or tone arrangement of another part of the same melody or musical score. If short tunes are selected, the musical score of the blow reeds may comprise one tune, and the musical score of the draw reeds may comprise another tune. This latter arrangement may be especially practical if the tunes hav a repetitive sequence of notes, or of any particular note, as then the sequence of the particular note need not be repeated in the reed arrangement, for the player need only repeat the sequence, or the particular note, the correct number of times in performing the tune in order to produce the desired result, that is, the sequence of notes need only be a fixed relative succession of the different tones of the melody and not each note of the melody, the repetition of a tone or a sequence of tones being left to the performer. This repeating feature can, of course, also be used if the blow and draw reeds all are used for a single melody or other musical score. The term musical score, as used in the claims, includes any and all of the above meanings of tunes, melodies, musical sequences, and parts of complete musical compositions.

With my invention it is not necessary to know how to read music or to know how to select the various tones on the reeds of the harmonica, for the reeds are prearranged in the proper sequence for the rendition of the musical score it is desired to play. As stated, each reed plate or set of reed plates is constructed to render only the score to which the reeds are tuned and arranged. In order to provide for the rendition of different musical scores, the reed supporting members, such as the reed plates, are made easily removable and interchangeable with other similarly constructed reed supporting members on which the reeds are tuned and arranged according to sequences of the notes or tones of other musical scores. It is always advisable to remove the covers before starting to withdraw the reed plates, as this relieves pressure on the reed plates. Projections, such as tabs 33 with slight finger-tip recesses 34, Fig. 3, or tabs 35 with slightly raised bosses 36, Fig. 4, on the outer ends of the reed plates, form grips which may be used to facilitate assembling and disassembling the reed plates in the harmonica. Since a reed plate with blow reeds is provided with guide wings 28, the reed plates with blow reeds and those with draw reeds cannot be confused or inserted incorrectly on the wrong side of the instrument. Furthermore, in order to identify the musical score to which the reeds are tuned, the title of the score, or some title-indicating mark or notation, 3! is placed on the side of each reed plate adapted to be on the outside when in assembled position in the harmonica. This identification thus also assures the insertion of the reed plates in their correct relative positions on the correct sides of the instrument.

Various modifications of the features shown in Figs. 1 through 4 can be easily utilized without departing from the basic features of this embodiment of my invention. Fig. 5 illustrates some of these modifications. In this instrument, the main supporting structure is provided with a base 38, a mouthpiece 39, transverse intermediate wall members 40, end Wall members 4|, and pairs of guideways 42 on each side of the cell block, similar to those shown in detail in Figs. 1 and 2. In this harmonica, the leak-age of air is further minimized by the provision of a longitudinally extending central or sectionalizing wall 43 for each cell, dividing the cell block and forming an individual cell for each reed, thus eliminating the passage of air around the reed not being played, such as occurs when there is both a blow reed and a draw reed in each cell.

- This figure also illustrates a molded plastic reed supporting member, shown as a plastic reed plate 44, molded integrally with reeds 45, which, as in the other figures, are formed and arranged ac cording to the sequence of notes or tones of a musical score. Covers 46, similar to those of Figs- 1 through 4, also are provided. Stops 47 are formed on each corner of one end of the base 38 and mouthpiece 39 and are adapted to engage the sides of complementary receses 48, formed at each corner of one end of the reed plates 44, in order to position the reed plates with the reeds thereof located accurately over the respective cells. These stops 4'! also serve toposition the covers 46 in their assembled position on the supporting structure. Title and position-indicating identifications and gripping tabs, similar to those of Figs. 1 through 4, also can be provided to facilitate proper assembly and disassembly of the instrument.

Another embodiment of my invention, illustrated in Figs. 6, '7, and 8, is provided with a main supporting structure 49, forming a reed-plate spacer and cell block. This main supporting structure may be made of any suitable material, such as molded plastic and is formed with a base 58, a plurality of transverse intermediate cell wall members 5! and end wall members 52, and a longitudinally extending central or sectionalizing cell wall 53. This arrangement forms an individual cell for each reed of the instrument. In this construction, a pair of reed plates 54 and 55 are utilized as reed supporting members. Each of the reed plates is formed with a plurality of parallel slots 56 extending transversely from one longitudinal edge into the reed plate, providing a comb with individual reed plate elements 5'! for each reed. These plates may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal, although metal is preferred if the supporting structure is made of molded plastic because there is less tendency for metal to stick to the plastic. The reed plates are adapted to be removably mounted on the supporting structure by insertion of the reed plate elements 5! into parallel guideways 58, formed in the cell wall members 51 and 52 by slots extending longitudinally of these members adjacent the outer edges thereof. The end of each reed plate element 57 fits into an intercommunicating guideway 59, which is formed in the base 55 and connects together the base ends of the side wall guideways 58. The guideways are of such size that they provide for a snug sliding engagement with the reed plate elements 51 and form a substantially air-sealing closure therewith when the reed plate elements are fully inserted therein. In order to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the reed plates and the supporting structure, grips are formed as tabs 59 on the outer ends of the reed plates, and correct assembly and identification of the reed plates is aided by provision of the title of the musical score, or other title-indicating mark or notation, 66 on the side of the reed plates adapted to be on the outside when assembled in the cell block of the supporting structure.

One of the reed plates is provided with a plu-r rality of blow reeds arranged one on each reed plate element 5'! and in a preselected musical note or tone sequence according to a predetermined musical score. The other reed plate is similarly provided with a plurality of draw reeds G I, also arranged one on each reed plate element 51 and in a preselected musical note or tone sequence according to another musical score. The reed note or tone sequence in each case may be a progressive linear arrangement, but if the musical score has a repetition of a certain sequence of notes which is less than the number of reeds in one of the reed plates, the sequence need not be repeated in the reed arrangement, as the player need only repeat the sequence when rendering the score. Also, the progression may be from one end of the instrument to the other end for the blow reeds and in the opposite direction for the draw reeds. This makes it unnecessary to shift back to the first end of the instrument when changing from the playing of the blow reeds to the draw reeds and facilitates continuous playing of the melody. The reeds may be made of metal and secured to the reed plates by any suitable means, as by rivets 62, Figs. 6 and "I, or, if the reed plates be made of plastic, reeds 63 may be integrally molded thereon over suitable reed openings 64, as shown in Fig. 8.

A removable cover 65 is mounted on each side of the supporting structure cell block and arranged over each of the reed plates to protect the reeds. These covers may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, and are formed with a longitudinally extending lip 66 adjacent the mouthpiece edge of the cover, having an inturned edge 61 adapted to cover and engage the adjacent mouthpiece edge of the reed plate. The base edge 68 of the cover is formed with clamping fingers 69 adapted to be snapped into clamping recesses 10 in the base 50 for demountably securing the covers on the supporting structure and biasing the reed plates into assembled sub stantially air-sealing engagement with the base guideways and the transverse cell wall guideways. This provides a construction having substantially no air leakage and, therefore, requiring a minimum of effort for playing, as well as assuring a true sounding of each reed as it is played.

A modification of the instrument shown in Figs. 6, '7, and 8 is illustrated in Fig. 9, in which the main supporting structure H may be made of any suitable material, such as molded plastic, and is made in the form of an improved cell block for removably supporting a simplified reed plate structure 12. Each reed plate 12 may also be made of molded plastic with integrally molded plastic tonal reeds 13 arranged over suitable openings in the reed plates, or may be of other suitable material, such as metal, and may be provided with reeds secured to the reed plate by rivets, as in the Fig. 7 construction. Tabs M are formed on opposite ends of the reed plates T2, adjacent one edge thereof, in order to provide grips which may be used in assembling and disassembling the harmonica. These reed plates 12 are simple, unslotted plates, adapted to be removably mounted in the supporting structure by a snug sliding engagement with parallel guideways l and 76, formed respectively in longitudinally slotted transverse intermediate wall members 11 and end wall members 18, which form the cell block and a reed plate spacer member for the instrument. A longitudinally extending central or sectionalizing wall 19 extends from the mouthpiece side of the instrument and is integrally joined to the cell transverse wall members 11 and 18 and to a base 89, with which it forms a closure for the base of the cells. As shown, the intermediate cell wall members 11 are slotted adjacent the outer edges, forming an outer portion 8!, closely spaced to the inner portion of the wall, and with a guideway 15 between these two wall portions. Each transverse end wall member I8; is formed with a slot 82 for providing the guideway 'Hitherein, but this slot preferably does not extend completely through the wall, such that an outer portion 83 is integrally secured to the inner portion of the wall throughout its length. In order to provide a substantially airsealing closure for the cells, the inner side of the base is longitudinally slotted on each side of the instrument adjacent its outer edges, forming guideways 84 which connect together the parallel side wall guideways I5 and 16 on each respective side and into which the bases of the reed plates 12 are adapted to be fitted. A longitudinally extending pressure bar element 85 integrally interconnects the outer ends of the outer portions SI of the intermediate wall members 11 and the outer portions 83 of the end wall members E8 on each side. The underside of this pressure bar element 85 preferably is formed with an inwardly curved surface 86 to guide and to facilitate insertion of a reed plate into assembled' position onthe supporting structure. 011 the side of the cell block on which the draw reeds are adapted to be placed, the pressure bar is preferably formed with notches 81, slightly wider than the reeds, to permit the reed plate with the draw reeds to be assembled and disassembled without engagement between the draw reeds 13 and the pressure bar 85. This is not absolutely essential, because the curved surface 86 will gently bias the reeds inwardly when being assembled and the formation of the connection of the reeds '53 to the reed plate 12 provides for withdrawal from the supporting structure without damage. The notched construction also provides a means of identification to assure the assembly of the draw reeds on the correct side of the cell block. The inner edge of each pressure bar element is substantially in the plane of the adjacent slot surface of the outer transverse wall portions 8| and 83 and is adapted to bear against the outer surface of the adjacent reed plate '12 to bias it into snug substantially air-sealing engagement with the surfaces of the guideways in the cell tmnever wall members.

A cover 88, similar to the covers shown in Figs. 6, '7, and 8, is removably mounted on each side of the cell block over each reed plate. A marginal lip 89 on the mouthpiece edge of the cover engages the adjacent side of the reed plate, and an inturned edge 90 is adapted to engage shallow clamping recesses SI and 92 in the mouthpiece ends of the cell transverse walls I! and 18. The base of the cover is formed with clamping fingers, similar to those shown in Fig. 8, adapted to snap into clamping engagement with clamping recesses in the base 80, similar to those on the base in Fig. 8. Each cover 83 thus biases its respective reed plate '52 into assembled position in the guideways l5 and '16 and the base guideway 84 and into substantially air-sealing engagement with the guideway surfaces of the inner portions of the cell transverse wall members, thereby minimizing the efiort required to play the instrument and assuring a true sounding of each tonal reed. The blow reeds and the draw reeds are arranged in a progressive linear musical note or tone sequence, according to different musical scores, in the same manner as in the other previously described embodiments of my invention, in order to provide for the rendition of the musical scores by simply progressively blowing on the blow reeds and progressively drawing on the draw reeds in accordance with mouthpieceinember III, withdrawing, asa-unit,

the tempo or length and repetition, if required, of the notes of the musical score.

My basic invention is applicable to all types of harmonicas. A third embodiment of my invention is illustrated in Figs. 10, ll, 12, and 13, applied to an instrument in which individual reed plate elements extend transversely of the harmonica. In this instrument, the main supporting structure forms a cell block 93 around which a cover 94 extends, which may be made of plastic molded integrally with the cell block. A plurality of blow reeds 95 are mounted in a preselected progressive musical note arrangement according to a musical score, and a plurality of draw reeds 96 are mounted in a preselected progressive musical note or tone arrangement according to another musical score upon reed plates 91 and 98, respectively, which are secured together and are removably mounted in the supporting structure cell block 93 and constructed for unitary assembly in and disassembly from the supporting structure. The cell block is formed by a pair of main side walls 99 and I which are slotted at their bases to form a plurality of cell side walls I9I and I02 integrally connected to the main side walls. The cell side walls IIlI and I02 are integrally connected by base closures I93 at the ends of the cells. Pairs of parallel guideways I04 and I95 are formed in the side walls extending longitudinally thereof from the mouthpiece ends to their bases, where opposite guideways I04 and I95, on opposite side I walls, form pairs joined together by guideways I98 formed in the base closures I93. The reed plates 9'! and 98 are adapted to be supported in the cell block by a snug sliding engagement with the guideways in the cell walls and base closures, providing a substantially air-sealing fit therewith when inserted therein. The reed plates 91 and 98 are constructed to assure the correct as-- sembly of the reeds by being rigidly mounted on a supporting member I 01 formed as a metal band with slots I08 therein into which the reed plates are tightly fitted and secured. The reed plates may also be soldered, brazed, or otherwise suitably secured in position on the supporting member I 01. This construction also facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the reedplates as a unit by using the projecting ends of the supporting member I91 as grips, and provides an arrangement in which the blow reeds 95 and the draw reeds 96 may be alternately arranged to provide for the insertion of one of each in each cell, thereby permitting the use of only one mouthpiece opening for each pair of reeds. The reed plates preferably extend slightly beyond the outer edge of the supporting band member I01 and are adapted to have a substantially air-sealing fit with the sides of recesses I99 formed on the underside of cell openings III in a mouthpiece member I I I. Air leakage is further assured against b forming sides II2 of the mouthpiece member III for a snug air-sea1ing fitaround the supporting band member I 9?. A latching pin II 3 is secured to each end of t e mouthpiece member and is adapted to be inserted into an opening H4 in each end of the cell block 93 in order to provide a demountable latching engagement therewith through a conventional springbiased latching ball IE5, as shown in detail in Fig. 12. Substitution of a set'cfreeds having an arrangement for the renditionof a" different "musical score from that of the're'eds inmthis harmonica may readily be done by removing the 10 the reed plates 91 and 99 from the cell block 93, inserting, as a unit, a set of reed plates arranged according to a different musical score, and replacing the mouthpiece member.

A modification of the construction shown in Figs. 10 through 13 is illustrated in Figs. 14, 15, and:16, in which the mouthpiece member IIB, similar to member III, is adapted to be secured to the cell block, as by screws H1, and the reed plates are adapted to be assembled and disassembled from the base, instead of the mouthpiece side of the instrument, as shown in the last previous construction. In this harmonica, the bases of cell side walls IIS and H9 are not closed but are joined together by a reinforcing rib I29. Reed plates IZI and I22, with tonal draw and blow reeds I23 and I24, respectively,

are secured to a supporting member I25 and are adapted to provide a snug sliding fit with guideways- I26 and I2'I in the cell side walls IISand .II9 to form a substantially air-sealing closure therewith. The reed plates are secured in grooves I28 in the supporting member I25 and may also be soldered, brazed, or otherwise suitably secured thereto. As shown in detail in Fig. 15, the supporting member I25 forms a base closure for the cells, and a slot I29 is formed on one side of the ribs I29 to allow free passage of the blow I reeds during assembly and disassembly of the instrument. This slot feature also assures the insertion of the reeds in proper relation on the main supporting structure. A title or title-indicating mark or notation I39 may be provided on the reed plate supporting member I25 for identifying'the musical score according to which the reeds are arranged. Reinforcing ribs I9I, preferably, project beyond the ends of the side walls H8 and H9 and are adapted to provide a tight fit on the sides of the reed plate supporting member to clamp it in assembled position. A cover I92 also is integrally formed with the supporting structure and extends around the cell block walls IIB and H9 and reed supporting member I25.

While I have illustrated and described particular embodiments of my invention, various features illustrated in difierent embodiments can readily be interchanged if desired, and modifications which are within the spirit and scope of my invention may occur to those skilled in the art. I desire it to be understood, therefore, that all such interchanges and modifications are in cluded in the scope of the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A harmonica having a supporting structure, a plurality of blow reeds, a plurality of draw reeds, means supporting said reeds in a preselected musical note arrangement and being removably mounted on said supporting structure, said blow reeds being arranged on said reed supporting means in a progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score fixed relative to said supporting structure when mounted thereon, and said draw reeds being arranged on said reed supporting means in aprogressive linear musical note arrangement aca plurality of blow reeds, a plurality of draw disassemb'lytfrom said supporting structure: in

said arrangement, said blow reeds having an arrangement according to the musical notes of a musical score fixed relative to said supporting structure when assembled thereon, and said draw reeds having an arrangement according to the musical notes of another musical score and fixed relative to said supporting structure when assembled thereon.

3. A harmonica having a supporting structure including a reed plate spacer and a cover arranged around each side of said spacer, a plurality of blow reeds, a plurality of draw reeds, means including removably mounted reed plates for supporting said reeds, guideways for said reed plates on said spacer, each of said reed plates being formed for insertion and removal from said supporting structure with a portion of each reed plate adapted to have aslidingifit with said guideways, said blow reeds being arranged on and secured to said reed plate supporting means in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score and in a fixed relation to said supporting structure when mounted thereon, and said draw reeds being arranged on and secured to said reed plate supporting means in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score and in a fixed relation to said supporting structure when mounted thereon.

4. A harmonica having a supporting structure, a reed plate readily removably mounted in said supporting structure for normal interchangeability'with other similarly constructed reed plates, and said reed plate being provided with a plurality of reeds in a preselected musical .note arrangement according to a musical score and in a fixed relation to said supporting structure when mounted thereon for rendition of a predetermined melody by progressively vibrating :said

reeds according to a predetermined tempo by passage of air over said reeds.

5. A harmonica having a supporting structure, a reed plate provided'with a plurality of reeds formed and arranged in a preselected linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score and fixed relative to said supporting structure when assembled thereon, and means for readily removably latching said reed plate into assembled playing position in said supporting structure.

6. A harmonica having a supporting structure, a pair of reed plates, one of said reed platesbeing provided with a plurality of blow Lreeds formed and arranged in a preselected linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score and fixed'relative to said supporting structure when assembled thereon, the other of said read plates being provided with a plurality of draw'reeds formed and arranged in a preselected linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score and fixed relative to said supporting structure when assembled thereon, and means for readily removably latching said reed plates in assembled playing position in said supporting structure.

7. A harmonica having a supporting structure,

a pair of reed plates removably mounted in'said v supporting structure, one of said reed plates being provided with a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected progressive musical note arrangement according to a musical score and .fixed relative to said supporting structure when assembled'thereon, the other of said reed plates being provided with a plurality of draw reeds in .a preselected progressive. linear vmusical .note arrangement according to another musical score and fixed relative to said supporting structure when assembled thereon, and .means'ifor removably latching said reed plates in assembled position in said supporting structure.

8. A harmonica having a plastic supporting structure, plastic reed plates, one of said reed plates being provided with a plurality of integrally formed plastic blow reeds in a preselected linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score and fixed relative to said supporting structure when assembled thereon, another of said reed plates being provided with a plurality of integrally formed plastic draw reeds in a preselected linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score and fixed relative to said supporting structure when assembled thereon, and means for readily removably latching-said reed plates in playing assembled position insaid supporting structure.

9. A harmonica having a supporting structure with a mouthpiece edge, a pair of reed plates removably mounted in said supporting structure, one of said'reed plates being provided with a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score, the other of said reed plates being provided with a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score, and means includinga marginal lip adjacent each side of said mouthpiece edge of said harmonica and spacing elements for removably latching said score, the other of said reed plates being provided with a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score, and means including a marginal lip on said covers adjacent each side of said mouthpiece edge adapted to fit in substantially air-sealing engagement with the mouthpiece edge of said reed plates.

11. A harmonica having a supporting structure,

'aipair of reed plates, a pair of guideways for each of said reed plates on each side of said supporting structure, each of said reed plates being formed for insertion and removal from said supporting structure with a sliding fit in said guideways, means including tabs on said reed plates for use in assembling and disassembling said reed plates and supporting structure, one of said reed plates having a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score, and the other of said reed plates having a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score.

12. A harmonica having a plastic supporting structure, a pair of plastic reed plates, a guideway for each of said reed plates on each side of said supporting structure, each of said reed plates being formed for insertion and removal from said supporting structure with a portion of each end adapted to have a close sliding fit with the sides of said guidewaysmeans including tabs .on said reed plates for use in assemblin and disassembling said reed plates and supporting structure, one of said reed plates having a plurality of integrally formed plastic blow reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score, and the other of said reed plates having a plurality of integrally formed plastic draw reeds in a preselected linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score.

13. A harmonica having a supporting structure comprising a reed plate spacer cell block and a cover readily removably mounted on each side of said reed plate spacer cell block, a pair of reed plates removably mounted on said supporting structure, one of said reed plates being provided with a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score and in a fixed relation to said supportin structure when mounted thereon, and the other of said reed plates being provided with a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score and in a fixed relation to said supporting structure when mounted thereon 14. A harmonica having a supporting structure including a reed plate spacer cell block, a pair of reed plates, a pair of guideways for each of said reed plates on each side of said supporting structure, each of said reed plates being formed for insertion and removal from said supporting structure with a sliding fit with said guideways, means including tabs on said reed plates for use in assembling and disassembling said reed plates and supporting structure, a pair of covers readily removably mounted on said supporting structure and arranged one over each of said reed plates for biasing said reed plates into tight engagement with said reed plate spacer cell block, one of said reed plates having a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score, and the other of said reed plates having a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score.

15. A harmonica having a supporting structure and a pair of removably mounted reed plates, said supporting structure including a reed plate spacer and a pair of covers slidably removably mounted one on each side of said spacer, a guideway for said reed plates on each side of said spacer, each of said reed plates being formed for insertion and removal from said supporting structure with a portion of each reed plate adapted to have a sliding fit with said guideways, one of said reed plates having a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score, and the other of said reed plates having a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score.

16. A harmonica having a supporting structure including a reed plate spacer cell block with a pair of longitudinally extending guideways on each side of said cell block, an inwardly tapering lip on the outer side of each of said guideways, a pair of reed plates formed for insertion and removal from said supporting structure with a sliding fit with'said guideways, a pair of covers readily removably mounted on said supporting structure and arranged one over each of said reed plates .with a sliding fit with said inwardly tapering lips for biasing said. reed'plates into tight engagement with said reed plate spacer cell block, one of said reed plates being provided with a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score, and the other of said reed plates being provided with a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score.

17. A harmonica having a supporting structure and a pair of removably mounted reed plates, said supporting structure including a reed plate spacer cell block and a pair of covers slidably removably mounted one on each side of said cell block, a pair of guideways for said reed plates on each side of said cell block, each of said reed plates being formed for insertion and removal from said supporting structure with a portion of each reed plate adapted to have a sliding fit with said guideways, one of said reed plates having a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score, the other of said reed plates having a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score, tapered guide lips on each side of said cell block extending outwardly adjacent said guideways, and said covers having tapered surfaces complementary to said tapered guide lips arranged to bias said covers into snug engagement with said reed plates for biasing said reed plates into substantially airsealing engagement with adjacent surfaces of said reed plate spacer cell block.

18. A harmonica having a supporting structure including a reed plate spacer cell block with a pair of longitudinally extending guideways on each side of said cell block, an inwardly tapering lip on the outer side of each of said guideways, a

"pair of reed plates formed for insertion and removably mounted on said supporting structure and arranged one over each of said reed plates with a sliding in with said inwardly tapering lips for biasing said reed plates into tight engagement with said reed plate spacer cell block, one of said reed plates having a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score, the other of said reed plates having a pluralityof draw reeds in a preselected linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score, and stops on said cell block for limiting the posi tions of said covers thereon.

19. A harmonica having a plastic supporting structure for tonal reeds, said supporting structure including a cell block with a plurality of transverse cell Walls. a base forming a closure at one end of said cells, said transverse walls being ment according to a musical score, the other of said reed plates having a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score, and a cover mounted on each side of said cell block over each of said reed plates.

20. A harmonica having a plastic supporting structure for tonal reeds, said supporting structure including a cell block with a central longitudinal wall and a plurality of transverse walls forming individual cells for each reed, a base forming a closure at one end of said cells, said transverse walls being slotted longitudinally thereof forming parallel guideways adjacent the outer edges thereof, guideways formed adjacent the outer edges of said base communicating with the slots in said transverse walls, a pair of reed plates adapted to be removably mounted in said supporting structure by a snug sliding engagement with said guideways in said cell walls and base providing a snug substantially air-sealing closure therewith when fully inserted therein, one of said reed plates having a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score, the other of said reed plates having a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score, and a removable cover mounted on each side of said cell block over each of said reed plates.

21. A harmonica having a plastic supporting structure for tonal reeds, said supporting structure including a cell block with a central longitudinal wall and a plurality of transverse walls forming an individual cell for each reed, a base forming a closure at one end of said cells, said transverse walls being formed with parallel guideways adjacent the outer edges thereof extending longitudinally of said transverse sides and being connected together at the base of each cell by an intercommunicating guideway formed in said base, a pair of reed plates adapted to be removably mounted in said supporting structure, each of said reed plates being formed with a plurality of parallel slots extending transversely from one longitudinal edge into said reed plate providing a comb with individual reed plate elements for each reed and adapted to be readily inserted and removed from said supporting structure by a snug sliding engagement with said guideways in said cell sides and base providing a substantially air-sealing closure therewith when fully inserted therein, means including tabs on the outer ends of said reed plates providing grips for use in assembling and disassembling said reed plates and supporting structure, one of said reed plates having a plurality of blow reeds arranged one on each of said reed plate elements of said one plate and in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score, the other of saidreed plates having a plurality of draw reeds arranged one on each of said reed plate elements of said other plate and in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score, cover clamping recesses in said base of said cell block, and a removable cover mounted on each side of said cell block in clamped engagement with said clamping recesses and arranged over each of said reed plates for biasing said reed plates into assembled substantially air-sealing engagement With said base guideway and said transverse-wall guideways of said .cell block.

16 22. A harmonica having a plastic supporting structure for tonal reeds, said supporting structure including a cell block with a plurality of transverse cell walls, a base forming a closure at one end of said cells, said transverse walls being slotted longitudinally thereof forming parallel guideways adjacent the outer edges thereof, guideways formed adjacent the outer edges of said base communicating with the slots in said transverse walls, a pair of reed plates adapted to be removably mounted in said supporting structure by a snug sliding engagement with said guideways in said cell walls and base providing a substantially air-sealing closure therewith when fully inserted therein, one of said reed plates having a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score, the other of said reed plates having a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score, a pressure bar element interconnecting the outer edges of said slotted transverse walls and adapted to engage the outer sides of said reed plates for biasing said reed plates into substantially airsealing engagement with said transverse walls, and a removable cover mounted on each side of said cell block over each of said reed plates.

23. A harmonica having a plastic supporting structure for tonal reeds, said supporting structure including a cell block with a central longitudinal wall and a plurality of transverse walls forming an individual cell for each reed, a base forming a closure at one end of said cells, said transverse walls being slotted longitudinally thereof forming parallel guideways adjacent the outer edges thereof, a guideway formed adjacent the outer edges of said base communicating with the slots in said transverse walls, a pair of reed plates adapted to be removably mounted in said supporting structure by a snug sliding engage ment with said guideways in said cell walls and base providing a snug substantially air-sealing closure therewith when fully inserted therein, means including tabs on the outer ends of said reed plates providing grips for use in assembling and disassembling said reed plates and supporting structure, one of said reed plates having a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musuical score, the other of said reed plates having a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score, cover clamping recesses in the. mouthpiece ends of said transverse walls and in said base of said cell block. and a removable cover mounted on each side of said cell block in clamped engagement with said clamping recesses and arranged over each of said reed plates for biasing said reed plates into assembled substantially air-sealing engagement with said base guideway and said transverse wall guideways of said cell block.

24. A harmonica having a supporting structure, a plurality of blow reeds, a plurality of draw reeds, reed plates for supporting said blow reeds and draw reeds remcvably'mounted in said supporting structure and constructed for unitar assembly in and disassembly of said blow and draw reeds from said supporting structure, said blow reeds being arranged in preselected progressive musical note arrangement according to a musical score, and said draw reeds being arranged in a ,preseleeted progressive musical note arrangement according to another musical score.

25. A harmonica having a supporting structure, a plurality of blow reeds, a plurality of draw reeds, reed plates for supporting said blow reeds and draw reeds removably mounted in said supporting structure and constructed for unitary assembly in and disassembly of said blow and draw reeds from said supporting structure, said blow reeds being arranged in preselected progressive musical note arrangement according to a musical score, and said draw reeds being arranged alternately with said blow reeds and in a preselected progressive musical note arrangement according to another musical score.

26. A harmonica having a supporting structure for tonal reeds, said supporting structure including a cell block with a plurality of cell side walls and pairs of guideways extending longitudinally thereof, a plurality of blow reeds, a plurality of draw reeds, reed plates for supporting said blow and draw reeds and adapted to be removably mounted in and disassembled as a unit from said supporting structure by a snug sliding engagement with said guideways in said cell side walls providing a substantially air sealing closure therewith when inserted therein, said blow reeds being arranged in a preselected progressive musi-. cal note arrangement according to a musical score, said draw reeds being arranged alternately with said blowree'ds and in a preselected progressive musical note arrangement according to another musical score, one blow reed and one draw reed being arranged in each cell, a mouthpiece having an opening therein for each cell and being adapted to be mounted on said cell block covering the mouthpiece ends of the cells, and a cover on said cell block extending around the cells.

27. A harmonica having a supporting structure for tonal reeds, said supporting structure including a cell block with a plurality of cell side walls and pairs of guideways extending longitudinally of said side walls, base closures at one end of said cells, guideways formed in said base closures communicating with said guideways in said cell side walls, a plurality of blow reeds, a plurality of draw reeds, reed plates for supporting said blow and draw reeds and adapted to be removably mounted in and disassembled as a unit from said supporting structure by a snug sliding engagement with said guideways in said cell side walls and base closures providing a substantially airsealing closure therewith when inserted therein, said blow reeds being arranged in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to a musical score, said draw reeds being arranged alternately with said blow reeds and in a preselected progressive linear musical note arrangement according to another musical score, one blow reed and one draw reed being arranged in each cell, a readily removable mouthpiece having an opening therein for each cell and being adapted to be mounted on said cell block opposite said base closures and covering the mouthpiece ends of the cells, and a cover on said cell block extending around the cells.

28. A harmonica reed supporting member, reeds on said supporting member in a preselected musical note sequence according to a musical score, and means including a projection on said supporting member forming a grip for use in assembling and disassembling said supporting member in a harmonica.

29. A harmonica reed supporting member, reeds on said supporting member in a preselected musical note sequence according to a musical score, means forming grips for use in assembling and 18 disassembling said supporting member in a harmonica, and means on said reed supporting member for indicating the title of the musical score.

30. A harmonica reed supporting member, reeds on said supporting member arranged in a pre-. selected progressive linear musical note sequence according to a musical score, means including projecting tabs on the outer ends adjacent'one side of said supporting member forminggrips for use in assembling and disassembling said supporting member in a harmonica, and a title and position indicating means on said reed supporting member for identifying the musical score and proper position for mounting in a harmonica.-

31'. A harmonica reed supporting member,.reeds on said supporting member in a fixed successive relative arrangement according to the succession of different tones of a melody, and a grip element on said supporting member for use in assembling and disassembling. said supporting member ina harmonica; 32. A harmonica having a supporting structure formed with a guideway therein, a reed supporting member slidably and snugly insertable' in substantially air-sealing relation in said supporting structure guideway, and reed on said reed supporting member in a fixed successive relation according to the succession of tones of a melody; 33. A harmonica having a supporting structure and a pair of removably mounted reed plates, said supporting structure including a reed plate spacer and a pair of covers slidably mounted one on each ide of said reed plate spacer, a guideway for said reed plates on each side of said reed plate spacer, each of said reed plates being formed for insertion and removal from said supporting structure with a portion of each of said reed plates adapted to have a sliding fit with said guideways, one of said reed plates having a plurality of blow reed in a preselected musical tone arrangement, and the other of said reed plates having a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected musical tone arrangement.

34. A harmonica having a supporting structure including a reed plate spacer cell block with a pair of longitudinally extending guideways on each side of said cell block, an inwardly tapering lip on the outer side of each of said guideways, a pair of reed plates formed for insertion and removal from said supporting structure with 'a sliding fit with said guideways, a pair of covers readily removably mounted on said supporting structure and arranged one over each of said reed plates with a sliding fit with said inwardly tapering lips for biasing said reed plates into tight engagement with said reed plate spacer cell block, one of said reed plates being provided with a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected musical tone arrangement and the other of said reed plates being provided with a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected musical tone arrangement.

35. A harmonica having a plastic supporting structure for tonal reeds, said supporting structure including a cell block with a central longitudinal wall and a plurality of transverse walls forming individual cells for each reed, a base forming a closure at one end of said cells, said transverse walls being slotted longitudinally thereof forming parallel guideways adjacent the outer edges thereof, guideways formed adjacent the outer edges of said base communicating with the slot in said transverse walls, a pair of reed plates adapted to be removably mounted in said supporting structure by a snug sliding engagement with said guideways in said cell walls and base providing a snug substantially air-sealing closure therewith when fully inserted therein, one of said reed plates having a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected musical tone arrangement, the other of said reed plates having a plurality of draw reeds in a predetermined musical tone arrangement, and a removable cover mounted on each side of said cell block over each of said reed plates.

36. A harmonica having a plastic supporting structure for tonal reeds, said supporting structure including a cell block with a plurality of transverse cell walls, a base forming a closure at one end of said cells, said transverse walls being slotted longitudinally thereof forming parallel guldeways adjacent the outer edges thereof, guideways formed adjacent the outer edges of said base communicating with said slots in said transverse walls, a pair of reed plates adapted to be removably mounted in said supporting structure by a sliding snug engagement with said guideways in said cell walls and base providing a substantially air-sealing closure therewith when fully inserted therein, oneof said reed plates having a plurality of blow reeds in a preselected musical tone arrangement, the other of said reed plates having a plurality of draw reeds in a preselected musical tone arrangement, a pressure bar element interconnecting the outer edges of said slotted transverse walls and adapted to engage the outer sides of said reed plates for biasing said reed plates into substantially air-sealing engagement with said transverse walls, and a removable cover mounted on each side of said cell block over each of said reed plates.

ADOLPH C. HUGIN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 15 Number Name Date 331,949 Doeriel Dec. 8, 1885 400,123 Schoenner "Mar. 26, 1889 483,160 Meinel Sept. 27, 1892 505,493 Strauss Q. Sept. 26, 1893 1,577,899 Dusinberre Mar. 23, 1926 1,702,538 Friedel Feb. 19, 1929 1,817,109 Stein Aug. 4, 1931 2,407,312 Magnus Sept. 10, 1946 2,467,761 Magnus Apr. 19, 1949 25 2,511,302 Stephenson Q. June 13, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date Australia 01 1915 

